Red Robin Campfire Sauce
A Campfire Kiss in a Jar: Smoky, Creamy, and Done in Minutes
There’s something magical about a sauce that tastes like a sunset cookout—smoky and sweet, bold and creamy, all in one spoonful. I whipped up this Red Robin Campfire-inspired drizzle after a long week when I needed something that could turn burgers, fries, or grilled veggies into a crave-worthy moment in minutes. It’s the kind of recipe that sticks to your ribs and photos beautifully for Pinterest boards.
Whip it up in the morning, curtain-pleasing for dinner, and serve it with the confidence of a grill master. The flavor profile leans sweet-tangy-smoky with a creamy base, so it pairs with beef, chicken, or roasted veggies—and it looks as good as it tastes in photos. A few pantry staples, a whisk, and you’re ready to sauce the night away.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise — for silky creaminess; use full-fat mayo; for a lighter version, swap in 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup — adds color and a touch of sweetness; a smoky or tomato-flavored ketchup enhances depth.
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish — brightens the sauce with a crisp tang; if you only have chopped pickles, mince finely.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard — tangy bite that cuts the richness; yellow mustard works too if you prefer milder heat.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar — a kiss of brightness to mimic that campfire bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder — savory backbone; if you love garlic, you can whisk in 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic instead.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder — adds depth without moisture; skip if you only have fresh onion on hand (use 1 small minced shallot instead).
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika — the smoky core; regular paprika works if you’re out of smoked.
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder — for gentle heat and a hint of smoke; start with 1/4 teaspoon if you’re heat-averse.
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar — balances acidity and enhances the “campfire” roundness; adjust to taste.
- Salt and black pepper to taste — seasoning that makes everything pop; taste and tweak after mixing.
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce — for an extra kick, especially on burgers or fries.
- Make-ahead note: For vegan or dairy-free versions, use a dairy-free mayo or yogurt substitute (see Tips & Variations).
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until the mixture is smooth and even in color.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chipotle chili powder. Whisk again until the spices are fully incorporated and the sauce takes on a hazy, copper-tinged look.
- Taste and adjust. Add a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper to balance the tang and heat. If you want more heat, whisk in the optional hot sauce in ÂĽ-teaspoon increments.
- For the best texture, let it rest 10–15 minutes in the fridge. This gives the flavors a chance to mingle and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in 1 teaspoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a touch more mayo (or yogurt) to thicken.
- Serve right away or cover and refrigerate up to 1 week. The color deepens and the flavors become even more bold as it sits.
Tips & Variations
- Heat level: For a milder version, reduce chipotle powder to 1/8 teaspoon. For a hotter version, raise to 1 teaspoon and add a splash of hot sauce.
- Make it dairy-free: Use 1 cup dairy-free mayo and, if desired, 2–3 tablespoons dairy-free yogurt to keep creaminess.
- Vary the tang: Swap half the vinegar for fresh lemon juice for a brighter, citrusy note.
- Texture tweaks: If you like a chunkier sauce, stir in 1–2 tablespoons finely minced pickles after mixing.
- Gluten-free note: Most pantry staples (mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish) are gluten-free, but always check labels if you’re cooking for gluten sensitivity.
- Make-ahead and storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 7 days. Stir well before serving; the sauce may separate slightly—a quick whisk brings it back together.
Serving Suggestions
This sauce is a show-stopper on burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, or as a dip for crispy fries and sweet potato wedges. It also shines spooned over roasted corn, steamed broccoli florets, or as a creamy dressing for a smoky potato salad. For a meal-ready idea, swirl a dollop into a pan-seared chicken breast with a squeeze of lemon and a handful of greens for a quick weeknight dish.
FAQs
Can I thicken or thin the sauce if it’s too loose?
Yes. To thicken, whisk in a touch more mayo or a small amount of Greek yogurt. To thin, add water, milk, or more vinegar in small increments until you reach the desired consistency. Let it rest a few minutes after adjustments for the texture to settle.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. This sauce benefits from a brief chill so flavors meld. Make it 1 day in advance if possible, then whisk again before serving. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 7 days.
How do I reheat or remix after separation?
If it separates in the fridge, whisk vigorously. A quick beat with a fork or whisk should re-emulsify the mixture. If it looks too thick, thin with a teaspoon of water at a time while whisking.
Is this sauce good with pasta or other proteins?
Yes. It’s delicious tossed with warm pasta for a smoky, creamy sauce, or spooned over grilled chicken, pork chops, or shrimp. For pasta, consider a splash of pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Yes. Use a high-quality dairy-free mayo (and yogurt if you like) and a plant-based relish. The flavor stays smoky and tangy, with the same glossy texture.
How long does it keep in the fridge?
Up to 7 days in an airtight container. Stir or whisk before using, as separation can occur with time.
Final Thoughts
This Red Robin Campfire-inspired sauce is a confident, crowd-pleasing addition to weeknight meals and weekend boards alike. It’s quick, it’s forgiving, and it looks as good as it tastes—perfect for pin-worthy photos and happy bites. Keep a jar on the fridge door, ready to transform burgers, fries, and grilled veggies into something special with a single, smoky swirl.
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Ultimate Red Robin Campfire Sauce Recipe Tips for Flavor
- Total Time: 0 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup (240 ml) 1x
Description
Red Robin Sauce Rec tips easy steps flavor boosts and substitutions to recreate the famous sauce at home with quick pantry swaps and easy pairings
Ingredients
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Instructions
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Notes
Make-ahead note: For vegan or dairy-free versions, use a dairy-free mayo or yogurt substitute (see Tips & Variations).
- Prep Time: 0 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 hours 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
Keywords: Red Robin Campfire Sauce, campfire sauce, creamy sauce, burger sauce, pickle relish, smoky sauce, gluten-free, dairy-free options